As the year comes to a close, we take a look at some of our favorite stories on mswmag.com. If you missed any of these, now is your chance to catch up. Enjoy this look back at 2024.
10. What Every Manager Should Know About Sexual Harassment Claims
The past few years have brought a sea change in our cultural conversation about sexual harassment. This article highlights a few things every manager should know about handling sexual harassment claims if and when they come.
9. NSF-Funded Project Promotes Reuse of Graywater in Households
In this article from July, a project led by UC Berkeley architecture professor Maria-Paz Gutierrez — with collaborators from UC Merced and two Texas universities — seeks to significantly reduce residential water consumption by reusing graywater before it is flushed into the sewer system.
8. AI Modeling Delivers More Benefits, Less Risk for Water Partnerships, Says Research
Cornell-led research shows that AI-driven models can reduce financial risks and improve water supply benefits in regional infrastructure partnerships. The study found that AI can help design more resilient and equitable partnerships.
7. Kids Are the Actors in These Water Education Videos
The 14th annual Solano County student video contest encourages grades 6-12 to raise awareness about water conservation. Organized by the Solano Resource Conservation District, the contest engages youth in educating their peers on the importance of water conservation.
6. Artificial Intelligence Could Help Forecast Harmful Algae Blooms
Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists are using AI modeling to predict and understand harmful algal blooms. The team aims to analyze complex data from various sources to better predict HAB occurrences and mitigate their environmental and economic impact.
5. California Mandates First-Ever Permanent Water Restrictions for Cities
Earlier this year, California’s Water Resources Control Board approved permanent water restrictions to reduce statewide usage and prepare for future droughts. The policy mandates that large water suppliers meet individualized distribution targets.
4. 7 Safety Tips to Protect Workers in Summer Heat
Western Specialty Contractors has taken proactive measures to protect its employees from the dangers of extreme summer heat. In this article, the company’s assistant safety director offers seven tips for preventing heat-related illnesses on a job site.
3. 5 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Hydroexcavator
Proper care of hydroexcavators is essential to ensure reliability and extend the life of this valuable equipment. The TRUVAC team offers some best practices to keep your machinery in top condition in this year’s No. 3 article.
2. Federal Agencies Release Cyber Incident Response Guide for Water/Wastewater Systems
Cybersecurity was a big issue in 2024 and, by all indications, will continue to be a hot topic in 2025. This article announces a federal guide to help water sector operators with cyber incident response.
1. FBI Director Warns Chinese Hackers Plan to Target Water Infrastructure
Continuing on the cybersecurity theme, this year’s top article reflects our readers' ongoing interest in the topic. Earlier this year, the FBI raised alarms about Chinese hackers targeting critical U.S. infrastructure, including water systems.
